To show my sewing projects with comments and/or short sewing lessons on particular aspects of garment constuctions

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Attention Jeff !! or How to Hem Jeans

My son called me last night and suggested I post a tutorial on how to hem jeans, so this is for your benefit Jeff.

How to Hem Jeans

1. You should use a #16 or denim needle on your sewing machine.There is a sort of gold thread available especially for altering jeans.It may or may not match the thread on your jeans but it will be somewhat close.

You can also use regular polyester thread that matches your jeans .If you decide to use the gold "jeans " thread, do not use it in the bobbin. Your sewing machine wouldn't like that. Just use your poly thread for the bobbin.

2. Decide the lenght you want your jeans to be by measuring the inseam of a pair that is the right lenght.

For these "skinny" jeans, I want my inseam to be 32"

Before you cut anything off the new pair, plan on leaving about 1.25" for your new hem.

5. With a tape or ruler ,measure the excess amount ( for me just a little over 1")from the bottom of your jeans.Mark with either chalk or pins.

6. Either draw a line joining the pins and cut along this line or "eye it" as you cut.

7.Fold up the bottom of the leg about .5" and pin.

****Now, you are ready to sew. But before you start, look at the next photo, I'm showing you the direction in which you should insert the thread. Your bobbin thread should come out in a clockwise direction.

Now turn on your sewing machine and......

(A). Sew a line of stitching close to the edge of the .5" seam allowance.

(B). Turn the hem another .75" (6/8") and pin.

(C).If you are using regular polyester thread, sew another seam close to the edge on the wrong side of the jeans. But if you are using the gold "jeans" thread, turn the pant leg to the right side .

Sew the seam along the 5/8" seam guide in this case.

***NOTE:On the throat plate of your machine ,there are usually lines indicating 1/8",3/8," &5/8". Notice that I marked the 5/8 "point with masking tape. This is a good way to be sure to sew a straight seam.

Never start to sew at the side seam or the inseam . Your machine really won't like that.

Hi, Just want to thank you for the tutorial. ^^ it's very helpful and easy to follow. The only thing that I would comment is was when you said to leave a 1.25" extra fabric from the new inseam line. I think you did a typo on that? because when you add your inseam measurement (32") to 1.25" it equal to 33.25", not 33.5".Yeah just letting you know!

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A truly happy life,a wonderful husband, three children and two stepchildren who all make me proud; six beloved grandchildren who bring me so much joy
Sewing is not only my hobby but my passion and my creative outlet.I couldn't live without it.

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I'd like to thank all of you who stop by to visit and to look at what I make.You, my sewing friends from cyberspace, are dear to me .Knowing you're out there in many parts of the world thrills me. You enrich my life with your kind comments and your inspiration.LOL.Diana (aka Sew Passionista)